Rapid impedimetric detection of cadmium ions using Nanocellulose/ ligand/nanocomposite (CNT/Co3O4)

In this work, a new class of heterocyclic-ligands/Nanocellulose/Co3O4/carbon-nanotube-nanocomposite was synthesized, characterized, and implemented as a new sensor platform for the ultra-trace impedimetric direct detection of cadmium ions in tap water samples. A simple synthesis approach was used for producing cellulosic nanostructures that were integrated with several heterocyclic ligands (L/Nanocellulose) to be exploited as the sensor platform. For acquiring high electrocatalytic combined with fast electrochemical responses, metal oxides/carbon nanotubes were integrated with one of the selected L/Nanocellulose to eventually form CNT/Co3O4/L/cellulose nanocomposite. The impedimetric method was optimized to reach sub-picomolar sensitivity with no cross-reactivity with other metal ions. From the calibration curve, high sensitivity and a wide linear range was achieved over the concentrations (10(-13) M to10(-2) M), with lower of detection limit (LOD) of 1.5 x 10(-13) M (S/N = 7), R-2 of 0.99. The sensor was applied for real sample (tap-water) analysis, while a high recovery percentage (96-120 %) was attained.

Automated summary

A new sensor platform was developed for ultra-trace impedimetric direct detection of cadmium ions in tap water, demonstrating high sensitivity and a wide linear range with a low detection limit.